Moving is tough, but it can be even more difficult if you relocate your entire family. Small children, teenagers, and pets each have unique challenges when transitioning from one city to another. Fortunately for everyone involved, there are ways to make the experience stress-free and enjoyable. With some preparation and special consideration, we are confident you will successfully navigate this new adventure with your children, teens, and pets. Take a look at some of our favorite strategies for transitioning your family to a new home.
Part One: Moving with Children
Younger children can have difficulty moving because they may not understand why they are leaving. The uncertainty can cause them to feel sad and maybe even scared. We have a few ideas to help them feel secure during this time and make the move fun and exciting.
Involve Them In The Moving Process
According to the age of your children, there may be different levels of understanding of the moving process; but that doesn't mean they can't be involved to some degree. Here are just a few ways they can help:
- Show them pictures of the new home. Ask them what parts of it they like the most.
- Let them pick out paint colors or decorations for their new room.
- Give them assignments to help with the move.
- Let them decorate moving boxes with stickers and crayons.
- Have them help you sell things at a yard sale during the downsizing phase.
- Research local parks, attractions, and extracurricular activities to help your children get excited about the new things they will see and do.
Keep Them Comfortable During the Move
Keeping your younger children comfortable on moving day can be challenging but not impossible.
- Spend as much time with them as you can.
- Talk to them about what is going on in terms they can understand.
- Don't pack up their favorite toys or security items like blankets.
- Make them a "day-of" box that contains their preferred items.
- Help them say goodbye to their home and all their family and friends so they can leave on a happy note.
Control the Moving Chaos
Moving day can get chaotic, which can be hard on young children. Doing what you can to make the day comfortable and secure for them is essential.
- Employ a dedicated babysitter to hang out with your children to play games or have fun during the move.
- Arrange a play date with a trusted friend on the day of the move.
- Keep a dedicated room where your children can watch movies and relax while you are working.
- If they want to help you work, find easy tasks they can assist with, like packing stuffed animals or other toys.
Part Two: Moving with Teenagers
Teenagers can sometimes get a bad rap due to constant hormonal changes and rollercoaster emotions, but we all have been there and know it is a challenging phase, even in the best of times. A move can pose a particular obstacle in the life of a teen.
Ease Them Into Moving Out
There are several ways you can ease your teens into the moving process:
- Be honest with your teenagers. They are at an age where they can understand the reasons why you are moving, even if they don't agree with those reasons.
- Keep the conversations going. Talk to them often about the move and ask about their fears and concerns.
- Give them a journal for a safe space to express their thoughts about the situation.
- Involve them in the process. Show them the homes you are looking at moving into. Asking for their opinion about different aspects of the move will make them feel respected and valued.
- Host a going-away party for your teenager. A big party will give them a fun way to share lasting memories with their best friends and any family members they will miss after the move.
Help Your Teen(s) Move into The New Home
Moving into a new home in a new town can be quite a shock for your teenager. Emotions may run high, and they may need extra grace and attention while you help them get moved in.
- Create a safe and secure atmosphere. If your teenager is lashing out, resist the urge to react negatively and commit to being a safe space for them as they work through this emotional time.
- Pack a "move-in" box so they will have all their essential items right when they get to the new home.
- Help them find new activities, clubs, or groups in the new city.
- Keep them busy with tasks like walking the dogs, keeping the smaller kids, or unpacking boxes.
- Encourage them to continue contact with their friends through video conferencing and phone calls.
Help Them Get Settled into Their New School
Starting a new school can be one of the most complex parts of the move for your teenager. It isn't easy to start over in a new place with strangers. You can't go with them and introduce them to new friends as you could when they were younger, but you can do a few things to help make the transition a little easier.
- Encourage them to be open to meeting new people.
- Help them find a new after-school club or activity.
- Brighten their days by packing their favorite foods or writing them special notes.
- Give them some independence to decide about new friends and activities while you give them the support they need.
- Plan family activities to have fun with your teenagers. Scheduled family time will help you stay connected while you explore everything your new city has to offer.
- Check in with your teen frequently. Ask specific questions about how they are doing and handling the transition.
Part 3: Moving with Pets
Moving is a stressful experience for pets. They can sense something is different but don't know what it is. This can cause them to feel anxious and sometimes even depressed. Here are some ways you can help them throughout the moving process while keeping them safe and secure.
Prepare Your Pets For Moving Day
A lot needs to be done before your moving day arrives, but you will need to make special preparations and arrangements for your pets.
- You will need to make travel arrangements for your pets. Check with your airline to see what their requirements are. If you are traveling by car, purchase a travel carrier to keep them safe while en route to your destination.
- Ensure your pets have a tag with your address and phone number in case they slip out during the moving chaos.
- Ensure all their vaccinations are current and you have refills on any necessary medications.
- Ask your vet for recommendations if your pet is particularly anxious.
Help Your Pets Stay Calm on Moving Day
The safety of your pets is of high concern on moving days. You have people going in and out of the house, creating a potentially dangerous situation for your pets. You may think your cat or dog would never run away, but when a pet is stressed, they may do things they wouldn't do on a typical day. Here are some ways you can make sure moving day goes well with your pets:
- Consider boarding your pets or getting a pet sitter to lessen the chance of them slipping out of an open door.
- Create a safe space in the home where your pet can stay comfortable while you are moving things around.
- Keep a travel pack of food, water, medications, and toys so your pet has everything they need easily accessible before you get to the new home.
- Take breaks to walk your pets and give them much-needed attention and affection.
- Give them all the treats. They deserve it!
Get Your Pets Settled In Post-Move
It would be best to get your pets settled in once you get to your new home. They may continue to have anxiety after traveling and then arriving somewhere new.
- Take them for a tour of your new home and yard. While they are on a leash, let them go around and explore.
- Set them up in a safe room with familiar items to help them feel at home.
- Find a dog park where they can run around and let out some pent-up energy.
- Get new tags with an updated address.
- Find a new vet to set your pets up for their regular exams and vaccinations, and have all records sent to the new practice.
- Take breaks from unpacking to give your pet's attention.
Call 1-800-PACK-RAT For Your Local and Long-Distance Moving Needs!
We know how hard a local or long-distance move can be—especially with children, teenagers, and pets. We can help make your move easier. Give us a call at 1-800-PACK-RAT (1-800-722-5728) or or get a free quote today and see how we can make moving and storage easier for you. With over 60 locations across the continental United States, we are ready and waiting to help make your family's upcoming move as simple as possible. Check us out today - we would be happy to help you get started!